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Working Retriever Title - WR
Intermediate Hunt Test
Intermediate dogs that pass the standard should be hunting dogs. They should be obedient
and have a good knowledge of hunting situations. A good Intermediate dog will most likely
have two or three seasons of hunting behind him and some good training on marks, doubles
and basic retrieving problems. It is the Intermediate test that proves the dog has what it
takes to become a proficient hunting dog, and from here it is up to the trainer. That is one
reason why this is perhaps the most difficult test to judge. It is this test in which a judge
decides whether or not this particular dog should be included in breeding programs by
awarding it a Qualifying score. A person judging any test, but most particularly
Intermediate, is in a position to make serious mistakes. He can set up a test that is too
hard for a good dog or a good dog that has not been trained well enough, or a test that is so
simple that a completion, no matter how perfect, should not qualify a dog as a good
hunting dog. Intermediate dogs must have perseverance, ability, desire and a higher level of
training. They should be steady and not be out of control. They should heel, sit, stay, come,
mark and run basic water blind retrieves. They should go through cover and hazards and
also display a good nose. They must show concentration and desire to locate and follow the
trail of a crippled bird or hunt for upland game. Judging here becomes an art. In the
Intermediate test, the judge has to decide from his tests if the dog has the ability to become
great or is mediocre. Is the dog intense at this job or lethargic or careless? Is he full of
retrieving desire or is he crazy? These are questions that must be answered. At this point,
he must deliver to hand. The marked retrieves should be done with precision. If the dog
does miss a mark, he should hunt with confidence and perseverance or be handled crisply
and cleanly to the bird. The dog should not hunt the whole field on each bird. Look for
memory and intelligence. The dog should prove its nose without a doubt and also its eyes.
He should run his blinds extremely well displaying style and control.
Testing Guidelines
for Intermediate level tests - WR
NOTE: The passages enclosed in parentheses are additional guidelines for judges.
SECTION 1: An Intermediate Field Test shall consist of five (5) tests which shall include the
following: An upland hunting test; a blind retrieve on water; a double marked land retrieve;
a doubled marked water retrieve; and a trailing test. (The purpose of the Intermediate
Hunting
Retriever Test is to bring working dogs to a higher standard of performance. Desire and
teamwork with the handler are important factors. They shall consist of tests that enable the
judges to evaluate natural ability and handler control.)
SECTION 2: A dog shall be steady at the point of origin (see subparagraph c of this Section.
For marks, the point of origin is the point at which the dog is located at the time the first
bird becomes visible.)
a. Moderate commands shall be allowed to steady a dog at the point of origin.
b. A dog shall not be touched or patted at the point of origin.
c. A controlled break shall not fail a dog, but it shall be considered a fault. (As soon as the
dog leaves the point of origin and manifests an intent to make the retrieve without being so
ordered, it must be stopped. If a dog is immediately brought under control, it shall be
considered a minor infraction. Repeated evidence of this fault may be considered serious
and, in the opinion of the judges, an eliminating factor.)
SECTION 3: A dog shall deliver all birds to hand. (The dog shall return to the handler
without delay.)
SECTION 4: A dog may be handled on marked retrieves with voice/whistle/hand signals, if,
in the opinion of the handler, the dog cannot find or has missed the mark. (The dog is being
tested for its marking ability and memory, not handling; however, a crisp cast is preferable
to a long hunt. Repeated evidence of lack of memory, marking ability or lack of control may
be grounds for elimination.)
SECTION 5: A dog may be cast from the point of origin only once. (If the attempt is
unsuccessful, the judges shall step in and direct the handler to pick up his/her dog.
However, if in the judge's opinion, the dog exhibits confusion at the point of origin, the
judges may allow a recast. After two unsuccessful attempts the judges shall step in and
direct the handler to pick up his/her dog. See Chapter II, Section 17 for "no-goes.")
SECTION 6: The handler may be required to handle an empty shotgun with both hands on
the firearm and in the firing position.
SECTION 7: Tests for this event shall be held in appropriate cover on land and water.
a. Maximum test distance on land shall not exceed 100 yards.
b. Maximum test distance on water shall not exceed 75 yards.
c. Maximum test distance for the water blind shall not exceed 50 yards.
SECTION 8: Tests for this event shall consist of double marked retrieves on both land and
water.
a. Both birds must be down before the dog is released to retrieve.
b. Triple marks shall not be used.
c. Dogs shall not be required to honor another dog.
d. Simultaneous falls of birds shall not be used.
e. The order and sequence ("selection") of the retrieves shall not be determined by the
judges.
f. Dogs may be required to be placed at a point of origin at a distance from the handler.
g. The trailing test shall not be used off of marks.
SECTION 9: Dry shots, game calls or additional bird(s), used as diversions, shall not be
utilized between the first and second retrieve of the double or as the dog is on its way out
for any retrieve. (A dry shot is defined as a shot for which no bird is thrown or appears.) A
dog shall be eliminated if a diversion bird is thrown as the dog returns with its second bird
and the dog drops its bird and retrieves the diversion ("switches birds"). (Extreme diversion
birds, such as a bird thrown in the dog's face, are not appropriate in Intermediate.)
SECTION 10: Walk ups to simulate jump shooting may be used in this event. The dog shall
be brought to an area designated as the point of origin at heel or under control within ten
(10) feet of its handler. Section 2 shall be in effect. The judges may signal for the bird while
the handler and dog are walking.
SECTION 11: Blind retrieves on water shall be used in this event, but shall not exceed fifty
(50) yards in length through appropriate cover. Dogs may be cast from the point of origin
only once (see Section 5 above regarding confusion and Chapter n, Section 17 for "no-goes.")
a. The water blind shall not be included with the water marking test.
b. The general area of the point of origin for the water marking test shall not be used for the
point of origin for the water blind.
c. The trailing test shall not be used at the end of the water blind retrieve. (Handling in this
test must be done with precision. The dog must stop on whistle and take a cast. Failing to
stop on whistle or to take a cast is a serious infraction. The judges must decide on the
seriousness of the refusal by taking into account the conditions at hand.)
SECTION 12: An upland hunting test, with no flush, shall be used.
a. The dog shall be required to seek birds as in upland hunting within gun range of its
handler.
b. A dog may be urged to hunt with moderate hands voice or whistle commands.
c. At the discretion of the judges, the dog may or may not be required to locate dead birds.
d. If the dog locates a bird he shall pick it up and deliver it to hand.
e. The retrieve shall not be scored but it must be completed.
f. Two dogs may be required to hunt together providing there is adequate room for both
dogs to work without interfering with each other.
g. If two dogs are being worked together during the upland test, scented areas will be
allowed but birds shall not be utilized.
h. Fly-aways shall not be used in the Intermediate upland test.
SECTION 13: A trailing test shall be used.
a. The dog shall be required to trail, locate a bird and deliver it to hand.
b. The dog shall be scored on its natural ability and the use of its nose to locate and follow
the trail.
c. It shall not matter in what manner the dog follows the trail, e.g. The dog may stay
precisely on the trail with nose down, or close quarter back and forth across the trail with
head up, or run a few yards downwind of the trail with his head held high. It is the intent of
this test to have a dog indicate scent, follow the trail and locate the bird in a natural
hunting manner.
d. A dog may be urged to hunt by moderate voice or whistle commands.
e. Judges may restrict entry of the handlers into the area of the trail.
f. Hand signals are inappropriate and shall not be used other than to put the dog onto the
beginning of the trail.
Intermediate Hunt Test
Intermediate dogs that pass the standard should be hunting dogs. They should be obedient
and have a good knowledge of hunting situations. A good Intermediate dog will most likely
have two or three seasons of hunting behind him and some good training on marks, doubles
and basic retrieving problems. It is the Intermediate test that proves the dog has what it
takes to become a proficient hunting dog, and from here it is up to the trainer. That is one
reason why this is perhaps the most difficult test to judge. It is this test in which a judge
decides whether or not this particular dog should be included in breeding programs by
awarding it a Qualifying score. A person judging any test, but most particularly
Intermediate, is in a position to make serious mistakes. He can set up a test that is too
hard for a good dog or a good dog that has not been trained well enough, or a test that is so
simple that a completion, no matter how perfect, should not qualify a dog as a good
hunting dog. Intermediate dogs must have perseverance, ability, desire and a higher level of
training. They should be steady and not be out of control. They should heel, sit, stay, come,
mark and run basic water blind retrieves. They should go through cover and hazards and
also display a good nose. They must show concentration and desire to locate and follow the
trail of a crippled bird or hunt for upland game. Judging here becomes an art. In the
Intermediate test, the judge has to decide from his tests if the dog has the ability to become
great or is mediocre. Is the dog intense at this job or lethargic or careless? Is he full of
retrieving desire or is he crazy? These are questions that must be answered. At this point,
he must deliver to hand. The marked retrieves should be done with precision. If the dog
does miss a mark, he should hunt with confidence and perseverance or be handled crisply
and cleanly to the bird. The dog should not hunt the whole field on each bird. Look for
memory and intelligence. The dog should prove its nose without a doubt and also its eyes.
He should run his blinds extremely well displaying style and control.
Testing Guidelines
for Intermediate level tests - WR
NOTE: The passages enclosed in parentheses are additional guidelines for judges.
SECTION 1: An Intermediate Field Test shall consist of five (5) tests which shall include the
following: An upland hunting test; a blind retrieve on water; a double marked land retrieve;
a doubled marked water retrieve; and a trailing test. (The purpose of the Intermediate
Hunting
Retriever Test is to bring working dogs to a higher standard of performance. Desire and
teamwork with the handler are important factors. They shall consist of tests that enable the
judges to evaluate natural ability and handler control.)
SECTION 2: A dog shall be steady at the point of origin (see subparagraph c of this Section.
For marks, the point of origin is the point at which the dog is located at the time the first
bird becomes visible.)
a. Moderate commands shall be allowed to steady a dog at the point of origin.
b. A dog shall not be touched or patted at the point of origin.
c. A controlled break shall not fail a dog, but it shall be considered a fault. (As soon as the
dog leaves the point of origin and manifests an intent to make the retrieve without being so
ordered, it must be stopped. If a dog is immediately brought under control, it shall be
considered a minor infraction. Repeated evidence of this fault may be considered serious
and, in the opinion of the judges, an eliminating factor.)
SECTION 3: A dog shall deliver all birds to hand. (The dog shall return to the handler
without delay.)
SECTION 4: A dog may be handled on marked retrieves with voice/whistle/hand signals, if,
in the opinion of the handler, the dog cannot find or has missed the mark. (The dog is being
tested for its marking ability and memory, not handling; however, a crisp cast is preferable
to a long hunt. Repeated evidence of lack of memory, marking ability or lack of control may
be grounds for elimination.)
SECTION 5: A dog may be cast from the point of origin only once. (If the attempt is
unsuccessful, the judges shall step in and direct the handler to pick up his/her dog.
However, if in the judge's opinion, the dog exhibits confusion at the point of origin, the
judges may allow a recast. After two unsuccessful attempts the judges shall step in and
direct the handler to pick up his/her dog. See Chapter II, Section 17 for "no-goes.")
SECTION 6: The handler may be required to handle an empty shotgun with both hands on
the firearm and in the firing position.
SECTION 7: Tests for this event shall be held in appropriate cover on land and water.
a. Maximum test distance on land shall not exceed 100 yards.
b. Maximum test distance on water shall not exceed 75 yards.
c. Maximum test distance for the water blind shall not exceed 50 yards.
SECTION 8: Tests for this event shall consist of double marked retrieves on both land and
water.
a. Both birds must be down before the dog is released to retrieve.
b. Triple marks shall not be used.
c. Dogs shall not be required to honor another dog.
d. Simultaneous falls of birds shall not be used.
e. The order and sequence ("selection") of the retrieves shall not be determined by the
judges.
f. Dogs may be required to be placed at a point of origin at a distance from the handler.
g. The trailing test shall not be used off of marks.
SECTION 9: Dry shots, game calls or additional bird(s), used as diversions, shall not be
utilized between the first and second retrieve of the double or as the dog is on its way out
for any retrieve. (A dry shot is defined as a shot for which no bird is thrown or appears.) A
dog shall be eliminated if a diversion bird is thrown as the dog returns with its second bird
and the dog drops its bird and retrieves the diversion ("switches birds"). (Extreme diversion
birds, such as a bird thrown in the dog's face, are not appropriate in Intermediate.)
SECTION 10: Walk ups to simulate jump shooting may be used in this event. The dog shall
be brought to an area designated as the point of origin at heel or under control within ten
(10) feet of its handler. Section 2 shall be in effect. The judges may signal for the bird while
the handler and dog are walking.
SECTION 11: Blind retrieves on water shall be used in this event, but shall not exceed fifty
(50) yards in length through appropriate cover. Dogs may be cast from the point of origin
only once (see Section 5 above regarding confusion and Chapter n, Section 17 for "no-goes.")
a. The water blind shall not be included with the water marking test.
b. The general area of the point of origin for the water marking test shall not be used for the
point of origin for the water blind.
c. The trailing test shall not be used at the end of the water blind retrieve. (Handling in this
test must be done with precision. The dog must stop on whistle and take a cast. Failing to
stop on whistle or to take a cast is a serious infraction. The judges must decide on the
seriousness of the refusal by taking into account the conditions at hand.)
SECTION 12: An upland hunting test, with no flush, shall be used.
a. The dog shall be required to seek birds as in upland hunting within gun range of its
handler.
b. A dog may be urged to hunt with moderate hands voice or whistle commands.
c. At the discretion of the judges, the dog may or may not be required to locate dead birds.
d. If the dog locates a bird he shall pick it up and deliver it to hand.
e. The retrieve shall not be scored but it must be completed.
f. Two dogs may be required to hunt together providing there is adequate room for both
dogs to work without interfering with each other.
g. If two dogs are being worked together during the upland test, scented areas will be
allowed but birds shall not be utilized.
h. Fly-aways shall not be used in the Intermediate upland test.
SECTION 13: A trailing test shall be used.
a. The dog shall be required to trail, locate a bird and deliver it to hand.
b. The dog shall be scored on its natural ability and the use of its nose to locate and follow
the trail.
c. It shall not matter in what manner the dog follows the trail, e.g. The dog may stay
precisely on the trail with nose down, or close quarter back and forth across the trail with
head up, or run a few yards downwind of the trail with his head held high. It is the intent of
this test to have a dog indicate scent, follow the trail and locate the bird in a natural
hunting manner.
d. A dog may be urged to hunt by moderate voice or whistle commands.
e. Judges may restrict entry of the handlers into the area of the trail.
f. Hand signals are inappropriate and shall not be used other than to put the dog onto the
beginning of the trail.